Trailer Boat Guide Removal Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat capture systems require the use of heavy lifting equipment like forklifts to remove and install side guides, which are cumbersome and impractical for tasks such as loading/unloading equipment or transferring unmanned underwater vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising outboard and inboard posts with manual leveling jacks and a winch system allows for the removal and installation of side guides from a trailer-mounted boat capture system without the need for forklifts, enabling the side guides to pivot and be lowered onto a support surface, allowing for easy detachment from the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side guides are removed using a forklift, then the side guides can be detached from the trailer, but the process requires specialized heavy lifting equipment and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
A removable support apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the side guide and the ground. This apparatus includes support members that can be positioned under the side guide and locking mechanisms to secure it in a lowered position, enabling safe removal and installation without forklifts
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is designed to be manually deployable and operable by personnel on the ground. The system allows operators to lower, support, and reposition side guides using the apparatus's own structural components and locking mechanisms, making the process self-sufficient without external heavy equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If side guides remain attached to the trailer, then they provide continuous guidance, but they obstruct loading/unloading of equipment and transfer of heavy items
Solution Approach 1:
The side guide attachment system is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The support apparatus enables the side guide to transition between an attached operational state and a detached/stowed state, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements such as guiding boats versus loading equipment
3Device complexity
If manual methods are used to handle side guides, then specialized equipment is avoided, but the weight and size of side guides make the process difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus serves as a mechanical intermediary that bears the weight of the side guide during removal and installation operations. The support members and locking mechanisms distribute and manage the forces involved, making it safe to handle heavy side guides without forklifts
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is positioned and prepared in advance before the side guide removal begins. Support members are placed under the side guide, and locking mechanisms are readied to secure the load, allowing operators to then safely manipulate the side guide without bearing its full weight
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing and/or installing a side guide of a trailer-mounted boat capture system for guiding a boat onto the trailer, the apparatus comprising: an outboard post pivotally attached to an upper support rail of the side guide; two inboard posts, each pivotally attached to the side guide proximal to where the side guide is attached to the trailer via first pins, wherein each inboard post includes a manual leveling jack; an attachment point on the side guide suitable for attaching a winch cable from a boat held in the boat capture system; and second pins attaching the side guide to the trailer such that when the first pins are removed the side guide is free to pivot around the second pins from an upright position towards a support surface.